Podcast Summary: Mariners Church Weekend Messages

Episode: January 18 - When Should Christians Disobey the Government?

Speaker: Senior Pastor Eric Geiger
Date: January 20, 2026

Overview:

This episode, led by Senior Pastor Eric Geiger, addresses the challenging question: When is it appropriate for Christians to disobey the government or other earthly authorities? With references to biblical passages, historical events, and contemporary situations (like the COVID-19 pandemic), Eric explores the boundaries between submission and obedience, the biblical role of government, and the supremacy of Christ’s authority in the life of believers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Story: August Landmesser’s Defiance (00:24)

• Pastor Eric introduces the theme with the story of August Landmesser, who stood in defiance at a Nazi gathering in 1936, refusing to salute Hitler.
  • “Be this guy—but who is this guy? His name is August Landmesser...he stood there at that shipyard with his arms crossed in defiance, not listening to the governing authorities of his land and his day.” (00:39)
• The story is used to pose the primary question: When do Christians stand in defiance of authority?

2. COVID-19 Pandemic & The Question of Gathering (02:04-09:20)

• Eric recounts Mariners Church’s journey during the pandemic: online-only services, the struggle with differing interpretations of Scripture (Romans 13 vs Hebrews 10:25), and the eventual decision to reopen services despite state restrictions.
  • “At the same time, a second pandemic quickly had emerged—not a pandemic of a virus, but a pandemic of mental health deterioration.” (03:56)
• He describes hurtful feedback from both sides—some calling the decision unloving, others celebrating it as government defiance.
  • “I didn’t want the point of our gathering to be to disobey the government. I didn’t want anything other than Jesus to be the center of our gathering.” (07:41)

3. Biblical Framework: Submission vs Obedience (09:20-12:45)

• Romans 13: Christians are called to submit to governing authorities, not unconditionally obey them.
  • “Now notice the passage...challenges you to submit to the governing authorities, does not say, obey...There’s a difference between submitting and obeying.” (11:51)
• Example: Young Christians from Muslim backgrounds are encouraged to obey parents in daily matters but not in ways that deny Jesus.
  • “In every way you can, you obey them, but you can’t obey them in this. Submitting is having a posture...” (12:31)
• The overarching point: Christians should be exemplary citizens but never at the cost of disobeying God.

4. The Role of Government in Scripture (17:26)

• Government is divinely instituted to restrain evil and promote societal good, but it is always a servant, not a rival, of God.
  • “If a government ever sets itself up as a rival of God, then God’s people can disobey.” (18:49)
• “The role of government is to protect people, is to push back evil, not see evil advance. The role of government is to be the servant of God for the protection of people, not to be the rival of God.” (18:33)

5. Biblical & Historical Examples of Disobedience (21:32-25:36)

Old Testament Example (Daniel 3):

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: comply until ordered to worship the king—then they disobey.
  • “We will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (24:22)

New Testament Example (Acts 5:29):

• The apostles are told to stop preaching about Jesus.
  • “Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than people.’” (25:10)
• The criteria for disobedience: when obeying man would mean directly disobeying God.

6. Understanding Spheres of Authority (27:00)

• God is the ultimate authority over the family, the government, and the church.
  • The church, bought by Christ’s blood, belongs to Him uniquely.
  • “The church belongs to Jesus. It is His church...Governments come and go. They don’t last forever. But the church remains.” (29:26)
• Overreach by government or church is cautioned against; the church or state should not command what God forbids or forbid what God commands.

7. Practical Application: How Should Christians Respond? (30:35-33:00)

a) Obey Joyfully When You Can

• Most of the time, Christians should be joyful, law-abiding citizens/employees/children.
  • “Obey joyfully whenever you can. And you actually gain credibility to disobey at times if the vast majority of the time you’re joyfully obeying...” (30:58)
• Illustration: Not using faith as an excuse to break traffic laws or community rules.

b) Disobey Courageously When You Must

• When obedience to human authorities means disobeying God, Christians must have courage to disobey.
  • Cites civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
    • “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws...Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” (32:00, quoting MLK)
• There’s often a real cost to courageous disobedience—historically and today.

8. Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Submission vs Obedience:
  “Submit to the governing authorities. But you never disobey God...So submit but not obey.” (13:14)
• On the Image of God:
  “Guess what image is on you?...The image of God is on you. So you give your taxes to Caesar, but you give God your heart.” (15:05)
• On Civil Disobedience:
  “Francis Schaeffer said it this way: God has ordained the state as a delegated authority. It is not autonomous. The state is to be an agent of justice...” (19:13)
• Biblical Summation for Disobedience:
  “If someone commands you to do something God forbids, you disobey your leader. If someone forbids you from doing what God commands, you disobey.” (26:07)
• On the Endurance of the Church:
  “Kingdoms rise and fall. But the church that Jesus started, the gates of Hades will not be able to overcome her. She lasts forever.” (29:53)
• On Jesus Standing with Us:
  “You stand up for him and he will stand with you. Whether in a fiery furnace or when you cross from this life into everlasting life...” (33:06)

Notable Timestamps for Reference

• 00:24 – August Landmesser story, question posed
• 02:04 – COVID-19 and church’s decision to reopen
• 07:41 – Hurtful responses to church’s stance
• 09:20 – Deep dive into Romans 13
• 11:51 – Submission vs obedience
• 17:26 – Biblical role of government
• 21:32 – Old Testament story (Daniel 3)
• 25:10 – New Testament example (Acts 5)
• 27:00 – Spheres of authority; Christ’s ownership of the church
• 30:35 – Practical application: joyful obedience and courageous disobedience
• 32:00 – MLK and civil disobedience
• 33:06 – Stand up for Jesus, and He stands with you

Tone and Language

• Eric’s delivery is pastoral, personal, and rooted in biblical text. He combines real-world examples, historical anecdotes, and Scripture with a respect for differing opinions and a focus on gracious application.

Takeaway Summary

Christians are called to joyful, respectful submission to earthly authorities but must disobey whenever obedience means defying God’s commands. This applies to government, workplaces, families, and the church itself. The ultimate authority is Christ, whose kingdom outlasts all others. When Christians stand up for God—sometimes at great personal cost—Scripture promises that He stands with them, now and forever.